New Technology Offers Hope in the Fight Against Opioids

Many people are on the fence regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and what it may mean for our society but it could be a powerful new tool in the fight against opioid addiction, according to a recent report. The National Institutes of Health reports that AI is showing tremendous promise in screening for signs of opioid addiction in those at risk. 

Researchers suggest the technology could save money, increase access to addiction care, reduce hospital readmissions and decrease the risk of potentially lethal opioid overdose. The screener quickly analyzes those hospitalized patients and reviews their electronic medical records. 

If the tool finds patterns consistent with opioid use disorder, an alert gets sent to the healthcare providers. The AI system can suggest an intervention strategy tailored to the patient’s individual needs. 

Researchers conducted a clinical trial of over 51,000 adults admitted to the University of Wisconsin Hospital. The trial assessed the number of patients connected to addiction recovery specialists following discharge as well as readmission rates 30 days later. The goal was to learn if AI can assist and lead people to specialists for treatment. 

The results were impressive. AI proved just as effective at sending patients to specialists as provider-led referrals. Most significant of all, patients who received the AI screening were also 47% less likely to be readmitted within 30 days of being discharged from the hospital. 

The research team estimated a savings of approximately $6,800 for every readmission avoided. The data shows using AI screens may significantly enhance the efficacy and efficiency of addiction medicine practices in a general medical hospital setting. 

While more testing may be needed to learn the in-depth layers of AI screening, the reports thus far show real-world hope and promise for the war on opioids.